#GetReal for Mental Health Week 2020
Every May people in Canadian communities, schools, workplaces and legislatures rally around the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week. 2020 marks the 69th annual Mental Health Week being held May 4 to 10, 2020. This is an opportunity to help shift societal beliefs and perceptions about mental health and helps to promote behaviours and attitudes that foster well-being, support good mental health and create a culture of understanding and acceptance.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic there is more of a need for social connection than ever before. Connecting with people and our communities IS good for our mental health. Over the last few weeks technology has shown us that you don’t have to be in physical proximity to nurture a sense of closeness and connection.
This year CMHA, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) has several events planned that encourage participation from the community that also honour physical distancing.
Highlights include:
- Tuesday, May 5 – Giving Tuesday Now
- Thursday, May 7 – Yoga for Your Soul (via Facebook Live)
- Thursday, May 7 – Launch of Ride Don’t Hide, Virtually (via Facebook Live)
- Sunday, May 31 – Virtual 5K Run for Front Liners in partnership with The Garage Gym
- Weekly webinars – check online for details
“This Mental Health Week, let’s say more than just “I’m fine.” Let’s have real conversations with our friends, neighbours and coworkers about how we’re all really doing. We’re in this together,” says Kim Willis, Director, Communications & Mental Health Promotion, CMHA-WECB.
“In these days of physical distancing, we are learning that we don’t have to be close to feel close. We are together, even when we’re apart. Everyone needs emotional support at the best of times.”
To find out more about Mental Health Week visit online and connect with us on social media using the hashtags #GetReal and #MentalHealthWeek.
Ontario Continues to Support Mental Health Needs During COVID-19
Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues, released the following statement to acknowledge Mental Health Week:
“During this unprecedented time in Ontario, many people are facing great challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. During Mental Health Week this year, we are dedicated to raising awareness around an issue that affects over one million Ontarians each year.
Our government recognizes many Ontarians are experiencing increased anxiety because of COVID-19 and are worried about their health, the health of their family and friends, and the future of their livelihoods and are feeling anxious in physical isolation. We want to help those who need support and have taken immediate action to ensure everyone can access the high-quality care they expect and deserve.
Recently, our government announced up to $12 million in emergency funding to immediately expand online and virtual mental health supports. This brings additional access to care for people across the province and specific services to our frontline heroes.
We know maintaining physical distancing can be stressful for many people across the province. Just as it is critical that Ontarians heed the advice of our public health experts to stay at home and maintain safe physical distancing, it is critical that we continue providing everyone with the supports they need to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Ontario’s community mental health and addictions sector is working hard every single day to continue delivering services to people in need. We thank them all for their efforts and we will continue working collaboratively with them to identify further opportunities for investments to ensure all Ontarians have access to supports.
This week also marks Maternal Mental Health Week and Children’s Mental Health Week, which coincides with National Child and Youth Mental Health Day on May 7. The mental health of all children and youth in Ontario is of great importance. That is why we have recently expanded programs, such as BounceBack, and have provided emergency funding to Kids Help Phone, to further support children and youth who are struggling with their mental health.
Ontario also launched a Roadmap to Wellness: A Plan to Build Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions System, which provides a clear path forward toward offering Ontarians easier access to standardized, high-quality care and supports in communities across the province. As we implement this plan, we will continue listening and collaborating with our partners to ensure it works for all Ontarians.
We are committed to creating an Ontario where everyone is fully supported in their journey toward mental wellness. While you are staying home, we urge you to stay in touch with each other, and to reach out for help when you need it and to those who may be struggling. Even if we cannot be close physically, we are all in this together.”
